Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

03/04/2025

Celebrate Women’s History at Fort Washington!

Join us for "From Washerwomen to Women’s Army Corps (WACs)" on March 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Washington Park!

🗓️ Dive into the incredible stories of women in the U.S. Army through history. Start your visit with our pop-up exhibit from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., where you can chat with Park Rangers and see replicas of WWII laundry supplies and footlockers used by the WACs!

🕑 Then, stick around for a guided tour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. that’ll take you through Fort Washington’s history and highlight the amazing roles women played there.

📍 Where: Fort Washington Park, 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744

💰 Cost: FREE!

“I never felt as though I was doing a great job, but it did free a man to do other things, so I guess we WACS did serve an important role. Since then, women in service can fill many different positions, so I guess we paved the way for the ones coming into the service after we left.” Jeanne Kelly, served at FOWA from 1943-1944.

Bring your friends and family to honor the women who shaped history. We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Park Rangers representing the Women Army Corps
Image Credit: NPS

03/03/2025

Exactly 160 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill into law, creating the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company (popularly known as the Freedmen's Bank). On this same day, Congress enacted legislation establishing "a bureau of refugees, freedmen, and abandoned lands" (popularly known as the Freedmen's Bureau). Both institutions aimed to assist freedpeople in the transition from slavery to freedom. The Douglasses got involved in both institutions. Charles Douglass worked as a clerk in the Freedmen's Bureau for a couple years after the Civil War. In 1874, Frederick Douglass became the last president of the Freedmen's Bank, serving in that capacity for a few months before its closure.

(National Archives) Alt-text: Image of a petition from depositors in the Freedman’s Bank

03/01/2025

Today is the first day of Women’s History Month!

How do YOU plan to honor women and their contributions this month?

Women's history is full of amazing stories of both ordinary and extraordinary people. Every March during and throughout the year, the National Park Service and our partners commemorate the role of women in American history. Visit any of the more than 400 national parks across the country, including Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Women's Rights National Historical Park, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Lowell National Historical Park, and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site to learn about and reflect on women's contributions of past and present.

Find resources to learn, teach, and experience, women's history and heritage at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/womens-history-month.htm

Image: A graphic of a woman in profile wearing a National Parks Service hat. Lines of text in the background include the names of famous and significant American women connected to national parks and the words National Park Service.

02/25/2025

Join us this Friday, February 28 for the last “Walking in the Steps of the Bookman” walking tour!

We’ll gather at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site and embark on a journey through the historic Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods, tracing the footsteps of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. Discover significant landmarks that played a vital role in shaping Black history.

📍 Location: 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

🗓️ Date: February 28, at 1 p.m.

⏳ Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Join us to walk, learn, and honor the legacy of those who forged a path for future generations.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Image: Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Image Credit: Library of Congress

02/21/2025

🌟 Join Us for Women of Valor — The Six Triple Eight! 🌟

Dive into history with us and discover the remarkable contributions of African American women in the military during World War II!

📍 Location: Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site

🗓️ Date: Saturday, March 1

🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Details:

Open House: Explore fascinating historical items from the Women’s Army Corps.

Meet Park Rangers: Our rangers will be in full Women’s Army Corps uniforms, ready to share stories and answer your questions.

Special Guest: At 1 p.m., hear from retired Colonel Edna W. Cummings, who will celebrate the pioneering women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and their incredible journey to receiving a Congressional Gold Medal!

🎟️Cost: Free but reservations are required due to limited seating. Email [email protected] to make a reservation to attend in person or via Microsoft Teams.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Edna W. Cummings
Image Credit: Courtesy of Edna W. Cummings

02/20/2025

Don’t forget to check out the special Black History Month tours at Fort Washington Park, this weekend!

This February, honor Black History Month with a special guided tour at Fort Washington Park! Discover the vital role African Americans played in the history of this historic site.

🗓️ When: Every Saturday and Sunday in February

🕑 Time: 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

📍 Where: Fort Washington Park, 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Come learn with us and honor the courage and resilience of those who paved the way.

Image: Fort Washington
Image Credit: Np Gallery Photo

02/20/2025

130 years exactly…

When awoke on February 20th, 1895, he was unaware that the final day of his life had come. Not one battling an illness, he maintained his busy schedule. He spent most of the day with a women’s rights gathering in Washington, DC. Hours later he returned home, dined, and prepared to leave his beloved Cedar Hill for an evening address at a church not far from his home. While preparing for that short trip, Mr. Douglass suffered a heart attack and passed away just prior to 7pm.

, we remember the 130th anniversary of the passing of “The Lion of Anacostia,” Frederick Douglass.

Image Credit: Library of Congress
Alt-text: Black and white image of Frederick Douglass looking directly at the camera, white beard and hair seated in a black suit.

02/17/2025

Explore Our Historic Legacy!

Join us every Friday in February at 1 p.m. for a special walking tour, "Walking in the Steps of the Bookman!" 📚👣

Gather at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site and embark on a journey through the footprints of the remarkable Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. This tour will lead you through the historic Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods, where you'll uncover significant landmarks that have shaped Black history.

📍 Location: 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

🗓️ Dates: Every Friday in February at 1 p.m.

⏳ Length: Approximately 45 minutes

Let’s walk, learn, and honor the legacy of those who forged paths for future generations.

We can’t wait to see you there! ✨

Image: Participants in the Walk with Woodson event.
Image Credit: NPS

02/14/2025

“I have no accurate knowledge of my age.”

Born into enslavement on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Frederick Douglass never knew a birthdate. He spent much of his life searching for clues about age and family. Piecing together scattered memories, Douglass self-selected February 14, likely in honor of the mother he barely knew – Harriet Bailey. Her determination to resist gave young Frederick a few scattered memories prior to her passing, which served as a basis for much of his life.

He self-selected Valentine’s Day as his birthday, likely inspired by memories of his mother sharing a small heart-shaped cake with him amidst his hunger pangs. That was the last time he remembered seeing her. Harriet’s young son grew.

A man born amidst violence and oppression believed there was a vision of hope ahead for America. He used his scars not for revenge, but for transformation. He saw what he believed humanity should be and devoted his imperfect life to trying to forge that reality. On the 207th anniversary of his self-selected birthday, we remember the life and times of Frederick Douglass.

Image Credit: National Archives
Alt-text: 1879 black and white portrait of Frederick Douglass with full white hair and beard, sitting in a multi piece black suit

02/12/2025

🌟 Step into History with Us! 🌟

Join us for the next "Walking in the Steps of the Bookman" event this Friday, February 14 at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site! 🏛️

This fascinating walking tour takes you from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House to the Carter G. Woodson Home and back. Discover the paths and landmarks that Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History, frequented.

The 45-minute tour will guide you through the historic Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods, highlighting significant sites in Black history.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Bring your friends and family, and let’s walk together in the footsteps of those who made history.

See you there!

Image: Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Image Credit: National Museum of American History

02/07/2025

Join us tomorrow, February 8, for a celebration of the 207th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth and Black History Month! 🎉

Come enjoy a day filled with fun and inspiration! 🎭🎶 We’ll have a puppet show by Ebony Sonshine, live jazz from the Finn Murphy Quartet, and uplifting performances by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels. Dive into hands-on activities and hear stories about amazing figures like Mary McLeod Bethune.

Plus, don't miss the winners of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest as they share their award-winning speeches!

The event will be held at Martha’s Table, 2375 Elvans Road, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20020

🚍 Need a ride? A free shuttle will be available from the Anacostia Metro Station to Martha’s Table and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

Let’s come together to honor the legacy of Frederick Douglass and celebrate Black history. We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Painting of Frederick Douglass
Image Credit: NPS

02/06/2025

Join Us tomorrow for the first "Walking in the Steps of the Bookman" event!

📍 Where: Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005

🗓️ When: Every Friday in February at 1 p.m.

👟 What: Step back in time on this engaging walking tour that takes you from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House to the Carter G. Woodson Home and back.

Explore the routes and landmarks that shaped Black history, and discover the stories of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a key figure in the celebration of African American heritage.

🕒 The tour lasts about 45 minutes and showcases the rich history of the Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods.

Whether you’re a history buff or just curious to learn more, this tour is perfect for everyone! Let’s walk together and honor the past.

👉 Bring your friends, wear comfy shoes, and we’ll see you there!

Image: Dr. Carter G. Woodson
Image Credit: National Museum of American History

02/05/2025

Join us for a special celebration honoring the 207th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth and Black History Month!

📍 Where: Martha’s Table

🗓 When: Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Get ready for a day full of fun and learning! We’ll have an exciting puppet show by Ebony Sonshine, a live jazz performance by the Finn Murphy Quartet, and uplifting music from the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels. 🎶

🚍 Need a lift? A free shuttle will be available between Anacostia Metro Station, Martha’s Table, and the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Make sure to take a tour of Frederick Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill!

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and honor the legacy of Frederick Douglass and Black history. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Image: Ebony Sonshine Puppet Show
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ebony Sonshine

02/03/2025

🌟 Step into History with Us! 🌟

Join us every Friday in February at 1 p.m. for our special walking tour, "Walking in the Steps of the Bookman!" 📚👣

Meet at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, and together we'll follow the paths taken by the incredible Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month. This tour will take you through the historic Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods, where you’ll discover important landmarks that shaped Black history.

📍 Where: 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

🗓️ When: Every Friday in February at 1 p.m.

⏳ Duration: About 45 minutes

Let’s walk, learn, and celebrate the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations. We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Crowd of people participating in the Walk with Woodson event.
Image Credit: NPS

02/01/2025

Join us for special tours at Fort Washington Park for Black History Month!

This February, honor Black History Month with a special guided tour at Fort Washington Park! Discover the vital role African Americans played in the history of this historic site.

🗓️ When: Every Saturday and Sunday in February
🕑 Time: 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
📍 Where: Fort Washington Park, 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Join us as we reflect on the past and celebrate resilience, courage, and freedom! Don't miss this unique experience!

👉 Bring your family and friends, and let’s honor history together!

Image: A contemporary image showing several Colonial Marines, formerly enslaved men who joined the British military during the War of 1812.
Image Credit: NPS/Gerry Embleton

02/01/2025

Today is the day!

Join us for our walk with Dr. Woodson program today, February 1, at 11 a.m.

📍 Where: Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS, 1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005

🕚 When: Today, February 1, at 11a.m.

💰 Cost: FREE

Don’t miss this chance to honor Black history and enjoy a delightful day out! We can’t wait to see you there! 👣

Image: Actor, Darius Wallace talking to a group of people.
Image Credit: NPS

01/31/2025

🌟 Join Us for a Special Event! 🌟

📅 Mark your calendars for this Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m.!

Step into history with "Walk with Dr. Woodson," starting at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site (1318 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005).

Follow in the footsteps of the founder of Black History Month Dr. Carter G. Woodson as you stroll through the Logan Circle and Shaw neighborhoods.

Experience the journey brought to life by actor Darius Wallace as he portrays Dr. Woodson and shares stories about key historical landmarks in Black history.

The walk is about ½ a mile and will take about 30 minutes. We'll wrap up with a short performance at Shiloh Baptist Church and warm up with hot chocolate! ☕️

Best of all? It’s FREE!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to honor Black history and learn something new. We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: Actor, Darius Wallace
Image Credit: NPS